Set Drought

[bbcard1]

I always try to do a set that is relatively inexpensive and easy to clip off alongside the more ambitious projects. I am currently finishing a cg-ex 1969 set. Could I finish it any day on ebay? Sure, but it gives me a reason to go to card shows.

[AndrewJerome]

Hi Brian,

I hear you on set drought. I collect 1918 Zeenuts, and at this point adding one new card per year may be optimistic.

I even have subset drought, as I am chasing Seattle Zeenuts.

Of course, the fun is in the chase!

[cubsfan-budman]

When dealing with something so uncommon, do you end up having to buy what you find at any price? Or is it more that you see things, but finding it at the right price and condition is what makes it tough?

[familytoad]

Buy it if you see it ...several sets are this way, including Andrew's 1918 Zeenuts and my E210-2 (probably less so, since the liklihood of folks just thinking they have a Type-1 and could care less if it really is a Type-2 for the Yorks)

I do collect other sets and singles, so I am still collecting /accumulating often enough to keep the juices flowing, but this particular quest is stalled seriously.

I imagine if you collect 19th century cards you'd have to consider buying any one that you need. Several other sets in the tobacco or caramel era would probably be the same thing....there isn't a large inventory of certain sets.

I collect 1952-1980 Topps, I need about 300 cards and I could finish the run tonight if I wanted to just start an eBay marathon and buy them all...no fun in that

[kkkkandp]

Originally Posted by familytoad

I imagine if you collect 19th century cards you'd have to consider buying any one that you need. Several other sets in the tobacco or caramel era would probably be the same thing....there isn't a large inventory of certain sets.

After a very good year last year, 2014 has been a little slow for my Old Judge list especially the last couple of months.

[markf31]

I started a run at T209-IIs about a year and a half ago. I came fast out of the gate in the first couple months with a huge help from one of our resident T209 experts Michael Peich. After that is has slowed to a minute trickle for the past year as I think I've only picked up 2 over the past calendar year.

[sports-rings]

Not sure this is relevant, but I am trying to collect every single winning super bowl ring out there. I am down to my final three! That means when a super bowl ring hits the auction house or ebay, there is already a 94% chance I have the ring in my collection.

As I was getting closer over the last few years to completing the run, I realized it was getting harder and harder to find the last few.

So I spend a considerable amount of time networking and taking a step back and trying to figure out new ways to add to my collection.

How about cold calling the largest collectors in the country or large and small card dealers found in the hobby publications? check in with them every 6 months. Create a jpg or pdf showing the cards you need with your email and phone number attached.

Attend the national and give out print outs to people showing what cards you need. heck, even advertise in scd or other places.

Once I figured out that I needed to be proactive, I was able to get a bunch of rings that have never been in the market place.

Two final thoughts: send your want list to auction houses, they do many private deals that do not hit their auctions.

Last, I actually know a couple of collectors who own the rings I need. I call them twice a year to see if and when they are willing to sell. So do spend time compiling a database of people and companies who can help you. It will be well worth your time.

Good luck!